A major blaze involving a Mr Kipling lorry closed the A42 near Ashby for several hours overnight.

Firefighters were called to the scene between junctions 14 and 13 near Ashby at around 9pm which triggered a closure of the road in both directions while emergency services tackled the blaze.

Traffic was diverted, although motorists on the road at the time of the incident were held for several hours.

The road was shut to traffic for around five-and-a half hours. The lorry was laden with Mr Kipling cakes and treats.

No one was injured in the blaze (Image: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service)

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue sent appliances from Castle Donington, Loughborough, Coalville and Ashby, plus the tactical response vehicle and water carrier appliances from Loughborough were called outto tackle the incident.

They had to wear breathing apparatus as they tackled the fierce blaze and remained on the scene to damp down the burning truck.

Following recovery work, the road then had to be treated by gritters before it was safe to reopen, said a fire service spokesman.

The northbound side was reopened to motorists at 1am.

Firefighters from Castle Donington, Loughborough, Coalville and Ashby were among those on the scene (Image: Leicestershire Roads Policing Unit)

The southbound side of the road was reopened to traffic at around 2.30am today.

The lorry, bearing the Mr Kipling logo, was gutted in the fire.

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police Roads Policing Unit said: "Nobody injured but there were some rather overdone apple pies in the back... such a loss."